Are Joe and Stan Low of Beavercreek, Oregon mainly Christmas trees growers or black walnut growers? The answer is both, but the question seems to be an amicable, on-going debate between father and son. Forestry, agriculture and agroforestry all coexist profitably on their 900 acre Highland Farm in the northern Willamette Valley.

Agroforestry practices have tremendous potential within the Appalachian region because the steep terrain, acid soils, and high rainfall suggest that sustainable agroecosystems might be best achieved by developing perennial systems that include a tree component. An agroforestry system improves soil physical and chemical properties, maintains organic matter, improves nutrient cycling, reduces soil erosion, and maintains the structural integrity of the soil. Rural communities dependent on both agriculture and forestry may benefit from products and services an agroforestry system offers.

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Written by Eric Bendfeldt, James Burger, Charlie Feldhake, Mou Pu; Virginia Tech University

What technologies are required to make conservation buffers an effective and cost-efficient means to help America meet its national water quality goals?

This question was the focus of the recent National Conservation Buffer Initiative (NCBI) Science and Technology Conference. Over 300 representatives of public agencies, universities, corporations and private groups gathered January 26-27 in San Antonio, Texas to share information on the scientific basis for conservation buffers. The meeting was organized by the Conservation Technology Information Center at Purdue University.